Just got a puppy

Question
We have a 9 week old black lab.  We have had him for two weeks and could use some advice.  Our puppy doesn't like it when we put him in his kennal at night.
Question #1  
What can we do so he wants to sleep in his kennal at night?  
He also likes to chew on everything.  I know that's what puppies do, but sometimes we can't pet him because he wants to chew on our hands and feet.  That can also make it hard for us to play with him. We have given him lots of chew toys including 2 kong toys.  
Qustion #2
How can we redirect his chewing?
Question # 3
Can you give puppies to many chew toys?
Question # 4
What's the best way to potty train black lab puppies?
Thank you,
Kimberly

Answer
Hi Kimberly,
I'm sorry I didn't get to this sooner.  Been having major computer problems.

I will answer your questions in the order given.

1)  Sleeping in the his kennel:  Is he in a crate, or an outdoor kennel?  If in an outdoor kennel, I would bring him in at night.  If you are putting him in a crate, you may want to try putting the crate in your bedroom and covering it with a sheet so he cannot see you.  Ignore his whining unless you are pretty sure it is because he has to potty.
You may want to try putting a shank bone in there for him to occupy himself.  When you crate a pup who doesn't enjoy it, especially at night, then you need to find something really good to occupy it so it does not fuss.  Some pups just don't settle down in their crates as quickly as others.  It will also help to tire him out so he is ready for bed.  Play with him for about 45 mins. before his bed time, take him out to potty, then let him fall asleep, or nearly so, not in his crate.  When he is asleep, or nearly so, put him in his crate.

2)  Redirecting chewing:  I usually figure that people who have Lab pups want the dog to retrieve later on, so I tell them to make certain that they do not inhibit the pup to pick things up.  Soooo, when your pup does pick up something you do not want him to have, make sure you do not make it a bad thing.  See if you can get the pup to bring that item to you, but you must trade with something you do want the pup to chew on.  When pup brings the item to you, praise him, take it gently, and give him the other item, telling him, "toy" or something so he associates it with something good.  Let him chew on it, and encourage him to do so.  He should never be left unsupervised, so if there are times when you cannot watch him, he should go in his crate or a safe place.  This way, he should not get much chance to chew things he shouldn't.  Just like a toddler or a baby starting to crawl and reach for things, your pup has to have supervision.

3)  Too many chew toys?  Well, that is debateable.  Our dogs have several tennis balls, several knuckle bones, several shank bones, a couple Kongs, a couple other chew balls, and plenty of sticks when in the yard.  If you are concerned about chewing, pups tend to learn fairly quickly what they may and may not chew on; what tastes better to chew on; and what gives more chewing satisfaction.  When you encourage chewing on the proper things, they tend to pick those items later in life.  Now, that is not to say that your pup/dog will never chew on something it should not, but teaching your pup now what he may chew on will help later in life.

4)  Best way to potty train:  The basics are to always take the pup out about 10 mins. after eating or drinking; never leaving the pup unsupervised so it can potty where it shouldn't; paying close attention to the signals.
Potty signals are that the pup may start circling, stop playing and start sniffing, and when it has to defecate, you more than likely will see a pooching out of the rectum.  Any of these signs and you should pick pup up and take him out.  Tell him to "go potty", or whatever you wish to use as a signal, and praise him up LOTS when he finally does go.  We use "go potty" for urinating, and "hurry up" for defecating.  Our dogs learn quickly, but we do not give them a chance to learn to use inside as their toilet.  It can help by taking him to the same spot in the yard.  After pup has accomplished his chore and you have praised him, keep him outside a bit and play with him.  Many people have problems with their pups not wanting to go when taken outside, then when brought back in they mess in the house.  Often, the owners cause this because most pups want to play outdoors.  They quickly learn that they go out and come right back in after pottying.  Soooooo, if you keep pup out to play a while, pup is happier about going out to do his chores.   Kind of like a child not wanting to stop to go potty so he/she potties in his/her pants.

I hope this helps, and again, I'm sorry I didn't answer you sooner.  Hoping to get a new computer this weekend, so if you do have further questions, please feel free to ask and I should be able to get back to you more quickly.